Bangkok Bank CycleFest set to pedal to Pattaya this November

A cycling and lifestyle event that celebrates the joy of mobility on two wheels, the Bangkok Bank CycleFest 2017 will see riders take part in a variety of ride categories over the two days. Ranging from individual timed rides and a 90-minute fun ride to a team time trial, there is a ‘Ride for All’ and plenty to do off the saddle with a village area that will include activities, outlets and eateries.

As the first event of its kind in Thailand, the event will offer riders of all abilities the opportunity experience a ride on a safe and secure circuit – complete with an amazing race pack that truly rounds out the experience.

 Sponsored by Bangkok Bank, the CycleFest places a focus on the community and aims to provide children of Pattaya the opportunity to enjoy the freedom and fun of a bike. Riders signing up for the festival can choose to make a contribution to ‘Share the Ride’, a charity initiative that aims to purchase bikes and helmets for children from local children’s homes. Joining the launch event were children from Banglamung Home for Boys, the recipient of 50 bicycles and helmets from the festival’s first contribution.

“As per the global trend in health and wellness, cycling has become one of the fastest growing sporting activities in Asia,” said Dr. Thaweelap Rittapirom, Director and Executive Vice President of Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited. “With millions of cycling enthusiasts across the continent and in Thailand, bicycling events are growing more and more popular, and given the rise of the affluent middle class in Asia, we can expect the sport’s growth to accelerate dramatically in the near future.”

“We are delighted to be supporting the inaugural CycleFest, which will be a wonderful weekend of activity for all. We are genuinely committed to help drive the growth of Thailand’s lively cycling scene in a safe way while also giving as many people as possible the chance to enjoy an activity that so many of us appreciate through our ‘Share the Ride’ scheme,” he added.

Bangkok Bank CycleFest 2017 offers six different rides for cyclists of all ages and abilities on a 15.5km fully closed-road circuit around the stunning surroundings of Siam Country Club. Organized by IMG, a global leader in sports, events, media and fashion, the festival promises to deliver the full experience of an international cycling event with an emphasis on enjoyment over competitive racing.

Adding his support to the mass participation event is former professional rider and Tour de France stage winner from Germany, Jens Voigt. A multi-event winner and former world record holder, Voigt enjoyed global popularity throughout his professional career, and few know better about the importance of riding safely and sensibly to get maximum enjoyment from the sport.

He said, “I am delighted to be an ambassador for this new cycling event here in Thailand. The growth of cycling in recent years, particularly across Asia, has been really impressive. To keep that going, we need to ensure people are educated about safe cycling, and the local communities and governments must do what they can to provide a safe cycling environment on the roads for everyone who wants to get active.”

Voigt will be back in Thailand for the main event in November alongside a host of local event ambassadors – including actor Nutt Devahastin Na Ayudhya, actor and singer Mos Patiparn Pataweekarn, and actress VarnVarn Aroonnapa Panichjaroon, all of whom also attended the launch at The EmQuartier today. They were part of a panel session that included three Bangkok Bank executives who are part of the bank’s very own cycling club and are aiming to drive the charity project by encouraging their colleagues to saddle up and enjoy the ride.

Organized by IMG, a global leader in sports, fashion, events and media, the festival promises to deliver the full experience of an international cycling event with an emphasis on enjoyment over competitive racing. Added Robbie Henchman, Senior Vice President, International Strategic Partnerships, IMG “We are grateful to have the support of Bangkok Bank to get the CycleFest into gear and are excited about what this event can offer riders of all ages and abilities in a beautiful, family-friendly setting.”

To sign-up and be part of the action at the Bangkok Bank CycleFest, go to www.bangkokbankcyclefest.com. The first 600 Bangkok Bank cardholders to register for the CycleFest will enjoy a privilege discount, 25% for Bangkok Bank Infinite or Platinum Leader card and 20% for Bangkok Bank credit card and Be1st debit card holders, off each ride’s registration price. All riders have the option to support ‘Share the Ride’ with a donation during registration.

Bangkok Bank CycleFest is sponsored by Bangkok Bank PCL with premium partners Siam Daikin Sales Co., Ltd. and Siam GS Sales Co., Ltd. as well as support from Aero Media, The EmQuartier Shopping Complex and Tissot Thailand.

Ride categories:

-          Junior (14-17 years old)                             31 kilometers (2 laps), 3 hours

-          Masters Male/Female (45 and older)      62 kilometers (4 laps), 3.5 hours

-          Open Male                                                    62 kilometers (4 laps), 3.5 hours

-          Open Female                                               46.5 kilometers (3 laps), 3 hours

-          Fun Ride                                                        No set distance, 1.5 hours

-          Team                                                              62 kilometers (4 laps), 3.5 hours